Although injured and unable to perform with her teammates at state this weekend in Portland, The Dalles cheer senior Lauryn Despain has chosen not to sulk about her missed opportunity. She is using this time to act as a mentor, a teacher and an inspiration to the girls she has been around since Day 1.

As one of two active seniors on The Dalles cheer team, Keagan Rice is anxiously waiting for a chance to compete for a state championship. Although still a month away from state, the Riverhawk cheerleaders get their opportunity to find their groove in a season-opening event this Saturday at David Douglas High School.

Team of 32 scores first place and all-around honors